Full Breakdown
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Faces Federal Corruption Trial
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Federal Bribery and Fraud Trial Begins
Opening statements begin this week in a federal courtroom in Oakland. Former mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and California Waste Solutions executives David Duong and Andy Duong are on trial for alleged cash payments and a no-show job tied to city contracts and political influence. The indictment includes conspiracy to commit bribery, wire and mail fraud, and honest-services fraud. All defendants have pleaded not guilty and face up to 20 years per count.
Background & Context
Prosecutors say the scheme started during the 2022 mayoral race, when the Duongs funded a $75,000 mailer campaign for Thao and promised a $300,000-a-year consulting position for Jones through Evolutionary Homes. After Thao won, the city awarded contracts to California Waste Solutions and considered purchasing housing units from Evolutionary Homes. Federal agents raided homes and offices in June 2024. Indictments were filed in January 2025, and Mario Juarez, a political operative involved in the scheme, pleaded guilty in July 2024. Thao was recalled by voters in November 2024.
Key Figures
- Sheng Thao — former Oakland mayor.
- Andre Jones — partner; alleged recipient of a no-show job.
- David Duong — founder of California Waste Solutions.
- Andy Duong — co-owner of Evolutionary Homes.
- Mario Juarez — political operative who pleaded guilty.
- Kevin Jenkins — Oakland City Council President, expected witness.
- Nikki Fortunato Bas — former councilmember, now supervisor, expected witness.
- Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers — presiding judge.
Timeline
- Oct 2022 – $75,000 mailer funding for Thao’s campaign.
- June 2024 – FBI raids homes and offices.
- July 2024 – Juarez pleads guilty.
- Nov 2024 – Voters recall Thao.
- Jan 2025 – Federal indictment.
- Oct 2026 – Jury selection completed; trial opens.
Data & Statistics
- $75,000 – mailer campaign cost.
- $300,000 per year – proposed salary for Jones (potentially rising to $3 million).
- $95,000 – amount paid to Jones before trial.
- 100–300 housing units – units the city was urged to purchase.
- 12 jurors – five men and seven women selected from a pool of 75.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors allege Thao “shared insider information” with the Duongs, accepted benefits, and steered city business to their firms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Farnham stressed the need to assess juror bias toward witnesses who have taken plea deals. Defense attorneys emphasized the defendants’ right to a fair trial and questioned Juarez’s credibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a very strong case for the prosecution, very strong,” — Robert Weisberg, law school professor
- “I wanted to be here to see that justice really is going to be served. I'm excited about the prosecution. I believe that it's going to be a great jury, and I think that she will be finally be held accountable.” — Brenda Harbin-Forte, retired judge
- “If you don't do a good job in jury selection as an attorney, you can lose your case before it starts.” — Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Thao’s maximum penalty: some cite 20 years per count, others suggest an aggregate of 95 years. Witness counts also vary, with reports of “up to 68” versus “dozens.” No testimony has clarified the exact amount transferred to Jones beyond the $95,000 documented in filings.
What’s Next
The trial is expected to run for more than a month, with prosecutors presenting evidence through mid-November. Defense witnesses are slated for the weeks that follow, and the jury will deliberate after closing arguments.